NTC to consult industry on truck charges

Forums will be held throughout November and December to inform industry of draft proposals on new heavy vehicle charges

NTC to consult industry on truck charges

November 19, 2013

A series of forums will be held throughout this month and next to give the trucking industry insight into the National Transport Commission's (NTC) plans for new heavy vehicle charges.

The NTC will shortly release a draft regulation impact statement (RIS) outlining proposed changes to the registration and fuel charging framework that will apply from July 1, 2014.

The consultation sessions will canvass the options and will be held in regional and urban locations around Australia from November 26 to December 13.

"These forums will be an opportunity for industry to learn about the options that NTC is putting forward within the draft RIS, ask questions and have their say," NTC CEO Paul Retter says.

The NTC says the draft RIS builds upon recommendations from a review of heavy vehicle charges and the subsequent public consultation process held earlier this year. The draft RIS is due to be released later this month.

The NTC’s review of heavy vehicle charges outlined several measures to improve the charging framework, including introducing axle charging and fuel-based charging.

Transport ministers in May asked the NTC to develop detailed work on the proposals in the review. A final decision on the preferred option is due early next year, with the change to apply from the beginning of the new financial year.

"The public consultation forums are an important element of the determination process and I encourage all interested stakeholders to come along," Retter says.

The NTC will submit its final recommendations on heavy vehicle charges to transport ministers for approval in early February 2014.

The first consultation session will be held in Darwin, with the NTC then heading to places including Fremantle, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Townsville, Port Lincoln, Adelaide, Mt Gambier and Dubbo.

Those interested in attending the forums need to register online or call 1800 907 834.